The Bacalao Tellagorri represents the Vallauris period
Hotel Don Pepe, a Gran Meliá Hotel launches ‘Picasso a la mesa’, the first chapter of a culinary journey through art
MARBELLA, SPAIN - In celebration of the International Picasso Year, a global milestone commemorating the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Malaga-born artist, Hotel Don Pepe is launching ‘Picasso a la mesa,’ an innovative culinary journey paying tribute to the role the visual arts have played in preserving our culinary customs over time.
The inaugural chapter of this unique offering takes place at the hotel’s ERRE & Urrechu restaurant, where guests will indulge in the gastronomic proposal ‘Picasso a la mesa.’ The exclusive experience will be available from June 1st to November 30th, 2023. Priced at 70 euros (excluding wine pairing), diners will embark on a captivating voyage through the life and artistic legacy of Picasso.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of his passing, 2023 has been designated ‘The Picasso Year’, marked by a multitude of exhibitions, events, and initiatives worldwide, and paying homage to the life and work of the painter.
The tangible connection between Picasso and gastronomy is prevalent throughout his oeuvre as a painter and his passion for poetry. The artist frequently depicted kitchen spaces, which served as bastions of sometimes blurred childhood memories from Málaga. Through elements such as plates, caged birds, the ‘woman-flower’, chairs, or tables, he expressed his unique perspective, capturing moments that brought him closer to his roots, the origin of everything, and the genesis of his profound appreciation for food.
Under the guidance of the renowned grill master Íñigo Urrechu, ‘Picasso a la mesa’ offers a culinary and anachronistic journey through the different stages that defined Picasso’s artistic trajectory. This exceptional gastronomic experience begins with an emulsified sea bass tartare and spherical olive, paying homage to his Blue Period. It is followed by a silky lobster gazpacho with fresh vegetables, symbolizing the Pink Period, a transitional phase characterized by gentle and vibrant tones. Then, a modernized and flavorsome Bacalao Tellagorri represents the Vallauris period, the artist’s final stage – in which he immersed himself in ceramics and sculpture. The main course features a farmhouse chicken stewed with langoustines and scallops, an unexpected amalgamation of countryside and maritime flavors, representing the surrealism era, marked by distorted and voluminous figures reminiscent of a dreamlike realm.
The grand finale brings a canvas of vanilla and an osmotic pear, accompanied by a sponge cake infused with oil; a unique dessert mirroring the artistic legacy of the Malaga-born maestro
The grand finale brings a canvas of vanilla and an osmotic pear, accompanied by a sponge cake infused with oil; a unique dessert mirroring the artistic legacy of the Malaga-born maestro, an eminent figure in Cubism and co-creator of the movement alongside Georges Braque. This dessert alludes to his Cubist stage, the culmination of his work, which marked a turning point in the history of painting, when there was a break with the traditional Renaissance perspective.
This initiative is part of ‘Gastronomy is Art,’ an innovative proposal created by Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, that unites two intrinsically interconnected universes, revolutionizing the dining experience of the guests.
About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Meliá Hotels International boasts a portfolio of over 400 hotels, either currently open or in various stages of development, across more than 40 countries. The company encompasses ten distinctive brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. Recognized as one of the world’s leading hotel companies in the vacation hotel segment, Meliá Hotels International has successfully established a strong presence in the flourishing market of leisure-inspired urban hotels. Its vast expertise in both sectors has positioned it as a trailblazer within the global hospitality industry. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to responsible tourism, Meliá Hotels International has been honored as the world’s most sustainable hotel company in 2022, according to the Corporate Sustainability Assessment by S&P Global. Additionally, it has been recognized as a “Top Employer 2023″ brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, and Germany, underscoring its dedication to promoting employee well-being and professional growth. Meliá Hotels International is also a constituent of the IBEX 35. For more information, please visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com
About Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the leading Spanish luxury hotel brand, with a presence in some of the world’s most beautiful landmarks. It seamlessly combines timeless luxury, stunning architecture, and Spanish culture. Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts offers exceptional experiences and services that embody a modern expression of culture. Currently, there are 15 Gran Meliá properties worldwide, and the brand continues to expand its global presence. All properties are strategically located in top tourist destinations, including Villa Le Blanc (Menorca), Palacio de los Duques and Hotel Fénix (Madrid, Spain), Hotel de Mar and Hotel Victoria (Mallorca, Spain), Hotel Don Pepe (Marbella, Spain), Hotel Colón (Seville, Spain), Gran Meliá Sancti Petri (Cádiz, Spain), Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora (Tenerife, Spain), Villa Agrippina (Rome, Italy), Gran Meliá Iguazú (Argentina), Gran Meliá Arusha (Tanzania), Gran Meliá Jakarta (Indonesia), Gran Meliá Xian and Gran Meliá Chengdu (China). The brand will also further expand in Europe with Miranda de Pedralbes (Barcelona, Spain) and Palazzo Cordusio (Milan, Italy), and in Asia with the launch of Gran Meliá Zhengzhou (China), Gran Meliá Cam Ranh Bay (Vietnam), Gran Meliá Nha Trang (Vietnam), Gran Meliá Lombok (Indonesia), and Gran Meliá Kish (Iran). Follow Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts on Instagram and Facebook. www.granmeliá.com